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Deuteronomy 32:2 - Torah nourishes like gentle rain

Deuteronomy 32:2 - דברים 32:2

Hebrew Text

יַעֲרֹף כַּמָּטָר לִקְחִי תִּזַּל כַּטַּל אִמְרָתִי כִּשְׂעִירִם עֲלֵי־דֶשֶׁא וְכִרְבִיבִים עֲלֵי־עֵשֶׂב׃

English Translation

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Transliteration

Ya'arof kamatar likchi, tizal katal imrati, kisirim alei-deshe, vechirvivim alei-esev.

Hebrew Leining Text

יַעֲרֹ֤ף כַּמָּטָר֙ לִקְחִ֔י        תִּזַּ֥ל כַּטַּ֖ל אִמְרָתִ֑י כִּשְׂעִירִ֣ם עֲלֵי־דֶ֔שֶׁא        וְכִרְבִיבִ֖ים עֲלֵי־עֵֽשֶׂב׃
יַעֲרֹ֤ף כַּמָּטָר֙ לִקְחִ֔י        תִּזַּ֥ל כַּטַּ֖ל אִמְרָתִ֑י כִּשְׂעִירִ֣ם עֲלֵי־דֶ֔שֶׁא        וְכִרְבִיבִ֖ים עֲלֵי־עֵֽשֶׂב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Interpretation of the Verse

The verse (Devarim 32:2) employs rich agricultural imagery to describe the Torah's teachings. Rashi explains that just as rain and dew sustain physical life, the words of Torah sustain spiritual life. The metaphor emphasizes that Torah, like precipitation, is essential for growth and vitality.

Four Levels of Torah Influence

  • Rain (מָטָר): Represents the overt, direct teachings of Torah that are clearly visible and impactful, like heavy rain that nourishes the earth.
  • Dew (טַל): Symbolizes the subtle, constant influence of Torah that works quietly, like dew that sustains even when rain is absent.
  • Small Rain (שְׂעִירִם): Refers to gentle, patient instruction suitable for beginners (tender herbs), as noted by the Sifrei.
  • Showers (רְבִיבִים): Denotes abundant wisdom for those ready to absorb deeper teachings (grass), per Ramban.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma compares this verse to a teacher's approach: just as rain adapts to different terrains, Torah instruction must be tailored to each student's capacity. The Sifrei adds that dew represents Torah's eternal relevance - just as dew reappears daily, Torah's wisdom renews constantly.

Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah 1:11) derives from this verse that Torah must be taught clearly and patiently, with methods suited to the learner's level, just as precipitation varies in intensity based on what the vegetation can absorb.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Ta'anit 7a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of Torah study and its life-giving properties, comparing the words of Torah to rain and dew that nourish the earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 32:2 mean when it compares Torah to rain and dew?
A: The verse compares Torah teachings to rain and dew to illustrate how they nourish the soul just as water nourishes the earth. Rashi explains that just as rain and dew are essential for physical growth, Torah is essential for spiritual growth. The different forms of water (rain, dew, showers) represent the different ways Torah wisdom reaches people—some learn deeply (like heavy rain), while others absorb it gently (like dew).
Q: Why is Torah compared to dew in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that dew is a constant, gentle blessing that sustains life quietly, without fanfare. Similarly, Torah's influence is subtle yet constant, providing steady spiritual nourishment. Unlike rain, which can sometimes be harsh, dew is always gentle—symbolizing how Torah wisdom can be absorbed by all types of learners, even those who need a softer approach.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 32:2 apply to our daily lives?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Talmud Torah) teaches that just as water is vital for physical survival, Torah study is vital for the soul. This verse reminds us to make Torah learning a regular part of our lives, like the constant presence of dew. Whether through in-depth study (rain) or small daily lessons (dew), we should seek its wisdom to grow spiritually.
Q: What is the significance of the different types of rainfall mentioned in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Taanit 7a) explains that 'small rain' (שעירים) and 'showers' (רביבים) represent different levels of Torah understanding. Some teachings are easily absorbed like light drizzle, while others require deeper effort like heavy rain. The verse emphasizes that Torah meets each person at their level, just as different plants need different amounts of water.
Q: Why does Moses use nature imagery to describe Torah in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah) states that just as nature's cycles are reliable and life-sustaining, Torah is the eternal, unchanging source of spiritual life. By using imagery of rain and dew—things everyone depends on—Moses teaches that Torah is not abstract wisdom, but practical guidance as essential to our souls as water is to our bodies.